Is this pain in my neck - after Smith Machine squats - just DOMs or something else? - Project Sports
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Is this pain in my neck — after Smith Machine squats — just DOMs or something else?

4 min read

Asked by: Ronald Screeton

Can squats cause neck pain?

The fact is, when your body is straining to the level that many of us push it to during squatting, deadlifting, or many other barbell/Oly lifts, maintaining a more “neutral” neck position is going to reduce some of the stressors that can cause pain.
Jan 13, 2019

How do I stop my neck from hurting after squats?

You can imagine this way was way heavier my neck may start to feel some strain. And so a cue that I have been using to get rid of that pain while I squat his retract the neck.

Can neck muscles get sore from working out?

Movement and exercise tend to be good for the neck, but overdoing it can lead to neck pain and stiffness. When a stiff neck develops as a result of overexertion during physical work, the symptoms might start immediately after the injury occurs or perhaps be delayed by a few hours or more.

Why does the squat rack hurt my neck?

You can get neck pain while high bar squatting when the pressure from the load compresses the tissues of your traps and back. Does the squat bar hurt your neck? This normally happens when you’re first learning to squat, and the tissues of your upper back haven’t yet adapted to this pressure.
Jul 23, 2020

What are the symptoms of neck strain?

Symptoms of neck sprains or strains

  • Pain in the back of the neck or upper shoulder that becomes more painful as you move your head.
  • Difficulty moving or rotating the head or neck.
  • Headaches that feel worse in the back of the head.
  • Increased irritability or fatigue.
  • Decreased range of motion or stiffness in the neck.

Do squats work neck muscles?

Necksercise! It’s a thing. And I feel like I’m taking crazy pills because yes, squats are important, and sure, deadlifts and power cleans stimulate the neck muscles some, but there are real, legitimate benefits to training your neck directly.
Oct 21, 2017

How do I protect my neck while squatting?

Pressure on his neck. Go ahead and stop.

Did I pull a muscle in my neck?

Neck strains are usually felt in the back of the neck, or mostly in the neck and partially in a nearby region, such as the back of the head, upper back, and/or shoulder. Achy or throbbing pain. A dull, nagging pain may persist and potentially affect sleep at night and/or concentration during the day.

How can I relieve my neck pain?

Try over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Alternate heat and cold. Reduce inflammation by applying cold, such as an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel, for up to 20 minutes several times a day.
Jul 31, 2020

What injuries can you get from squatting?

Injuries from squatting



Increased pressure and tension can compress the spinal joints. Eventually, this tension will become painful and some of the spinal structures (like the discs or facet joints) can become strained, inflamed and irritated.
Mar 8, 2021

What happens if you squat too low?

Squatting low or below parallel does recruit more muscle fibers and in fact, adds more stress on the lower body. However, it does not determine whether a client’s squat is correct and effective. With squat depth being such a universal term, many clients have become preoccupied with using depth as the squat standard.
Mar 22, 2021

How do I know if Im doing squats wrong?

6 Signs Your Squat Sucks

  1. Your quads are more sore than anything else. Good squats build the thigh muscles evenly. …
  2. Your knees hurt. This is the telltale indicator of bad squatting. …
  3. Your low back is sore. …
  4. You deadlift a lot more than you squat. …
  5. You squat a lot more than you deadlift. …
  6. No one compliments your squat.


How do I know if I’m squatting wrong?

When you do squats, you’re supposed to feel the strain in your legs. If you’re feeling pain in the lower back, you’re probably doing it wrong. This means that you are putting the weight and work into your lower back muscles instead of your glutes and quadriceps. Pay attention when you squat.